Notes 26/3/13

The u21 footballers took centre stage this weekend when they took on near neighbours and great rivals Tadgh MacCarthaigh in the semi final of the Clona Milk u21 B Football Championship played at a wet and wind Rossa Park, Skibbereen last Saturday evening. After a thrilling hour of football, where no quarter was asked or given by both sides it was the Kilmac lads who emerged victorious on a score-line of Kilmacabea 0-11 Tadgh MacCarthaigh 0-10.

The Kilmac lads settled to their task well and with the aid of a strong breeze took an early 0-2 to 0-0 lead after ten minutes. But this Tadgh MacCarthaigh team are nothing but tigerish and lead by Cork u21 player Brian O Driscoll levelled the scores after 15 minutes. With very little between the sides the lead swapped hands again before Diarmuid O Callaghan gave the Kilmacs the lead in the 29^th minute, to give the Kilmacs a slender one point advantage at the interval, Kilmacabea 0-5  Tadgh MacCarthaigh 0-4. The second half continued in much the same vain as the first, with both sides trading scores to leave the tie finally balanced heading into the final quarter. The switch of Patrick Kirby to full forward helped the Caheragh lads open up a one point lead before Padraig Burke, the every reliable Kilmac custodian, pulled off a great penalty save which left the gap at two points with little time remaining. But one final effort from the Kilmac lads managed to level the tie going into injury time and a little bit of good fortune gave Diarmuid O Callaghan the opportunity to win the game for the Kilmacs. Wild celebrations followed the final whistle by referee David Whyte and meant the Kilmacs were back in the final of this competition for the first time since 2008, where they will take on Clann Na Gael.

That u21 final vs Clann Na Gael is provisionally fixed for Easter Sunday 31^st March in Aughaville with a 3pm throw in. A large crowd will be expected on the day so make any extra special effort to come out and cheer the lads onto victory.

After the excitement of Saturday, it was back to league action on Sunday, when the junior footballers entertained Bandon in Section 1 of the football league in Leap. Minus the u21 contingent the team, the team competed well with a physical strong Bandon side and were unlucky to be behind at the short whistle, Kilmacabea 0-4 Bandon 0-6. Playing some nice football but guilty of overplaying the ball at times the Kilmac lads found hitting the target a struggle and Bandon, who were more economical with the ball, managed to grind out a  victory on the score-line  of Kilmacabea 0-6  Bandon 0-10. Although it is early in their season, this game gave the team much food for thought and will help them build for their 1^st round championship encounter against Gabriel Rangers on April 28^th in Baltimore at 3pm.

The u16 footballers were also in league action on Sunday morning when they travelled to Clonaklity to take on the home side. Playing some excellent football they were unlucky to come out the wrong side of the score-line, Kilmacabea 5-9 Clonaklity ‘B’ 8-5. The game was also notable for a nasty injury to young Eoin O Sullivan, who is only after resuming playing after a year out of football. All within the club would like to wish Eoin all the best with his recovery from this injury.

As part of the schools coaching program, 80 boys and girls from 3^rd to 6^th class from Maultrahane, Leap and Glandore NS assembled in the GAA pitch for a school blitz on Wednesday 20^th. Four teams of 10 boys played three 20 minute games and four teams of girls also played three 20 minute games. The Kilmacabea club would like to thank the three schools for taking part in the program and would also like to thank Kevin Whooley and Shane McDermott for referring the games.

The club would also like to congratulate the Instrumental group who finished 2^nd at the County Scor Na bPaisti finals held at the GAA Pavilion in Ovens over the weekend. The group consisting of Chantelle and Katelyn French, Saoirse and Davina Connolly and Clara Dineen put in a great display of traditional Irish music. Great credit must go to their mentor, Martina French for putting in great work with this group for the past number of months.

Fixtures for the coming week: U21 B Football Championship final vs Clann Na Gael on Easter Sunday 31^st of March in Aughaville at 3pm. The junior football league game against Tadgh MacCarthaigh due to be played on Easter Sunday has now been re-fixed for the 2^nd June.

Please check locally as fixtures are subject to change and don’t forget you can keep up to date with all club activities and events by logging on www.facebook.com/Official Kilmacabea GAA Club or www.twitter.com/KilmacabeaGAA.

Notes 18/3/13

The U 14 footballers played in the County Feile competition on Saturday 16^th March. The competition was run off as a series of blitzes with games of 12minute halves. Kilmacabea were part of a group which played  at Ballygarvan.

The Kilmacs drew the short straw in that their first game was against the home team and eventual group winners and they were slow to start.  By half time they had found their feet and were back in the game behind  1- 2 to 0-3. For the third quarter playing some excellent football they put themselves in a good position and had edged two point s ahead. Unfortunately they got caught on the break for a couple of key scores which were their undoing. Final result was Kilmacabea 0-7 Ballygarvan 3-3. The second game was a titanic battle between two evenly matched sides. Whitechuch got the lead score but play was up and down and the Kilmacs equalised before half time. The Kilmacs got the key score mid-way through the second half and while both sides had chances the Kilmacs held out for a morale boosting victory on the score 1-1 to 0-1. In the next game they played Naomh Aban. The team was now playing  good football with confidence and a better balance to the side and were able to win the game on the score 1-6 to 0-4. In the final game they had too much for the St Finbarrs “B” team and went on to win 2-8 to 0-1. All in it was a super experience for the players and the team and players learned a lot from it. The team played some fine football throughout with a great effort, attitude and commitment from all who took part. Team Conor Nash, Mikey O’Mahony, Adrian  Gore, Odran Kerrisk, Ian Jennings, Jamie O’Donoghue, Jamie Ronan, Ashley Deane, Damien Gore, David Whelton, Myles Tobin, Dara Tobin, Oisin O’Driscoll, Ellis Wilson, Christy Wilson, Ciaran Hernon. The competition was run off efficently and with great hospitality by the home club

U21 B Football c'ship semi final vs Tadgh MacCarthaigh Saturday 23rd at 5:00pm in Skibbereen

Club Notes 6/3/13

The U21 footballers stepped out in the heat of championship football last Sunday afternoon in Rossmore, when they took on Ballinascarthy in the Quarter final of the Clona Milk u21 B football championship. After a titanic battle in which the Kilmacs looked dead and buried midway through the second half and strong final quarter, coupled with superior fitness helped the Kilmacs come out on top after extra time, on a score line of Kilmacabea 1-12 Ballinascarthy 0-14.

On a dry cold day, on a decent sod both sides played out a marvellous game of attacking football under the watchful eye of referee, David Whyte (St.Marys). It was the eastern men who started quicker and had five points on the board in the opening quarter of an hour, before the Kilmacs raised their first white flag with a Richie O Sullivan free in the 18th minute. With the full back line of Martin Collins, Kieran O Sullivan and Thomas Jennings having a torrid time keeping the Bal full forward line and especially corner forward Aidan O Donovan at bay, it looked like Bal would cut loose and end the Kilmacs charge before it even begun. But credit to the Kilmac lads they dug in and with captain Joe Collins a power house at midfield, reduced the deficit at half time to four points, thanks to a second point from Declan O Sullivan leaving the score Kilmacabea 0-2 Ballinascarthy 0-6 at the short whistle. If the first half belonged to Bal, the second belonged to the Kilmacs lads. Trailing by seven points with fifteen minutes to go, it looked all but lost, but with some reshuffling of the pack most notably the redeployment of Martin Collins to the midfield sector the Kilmacs began to claw their way back into the game. Four quick points from Declan O Sullivan (2), Oisin O Sullivan and Kevin Whooley cut the gap to three points and when Oisin O Sullivan poked home for the only goal of the game in the 59^th minute the momentum was well and truly with the Kilmacs. Even with a player being dismissed, the Kilmacs hung on and managed to force extra time. In the additional two periods the Kilmacs dominated and despite a missed penalty managed to eke out a one point win.

While it was a great victory, the team will know that a much improved overall display will be needed if they want to advance further in the competition. The team that defeated Ballinascarthy was: Padraig Burke, Kieran O Sullivan, Martin Collins (0-1), Thomas Jennings, Sean O Regan, Niall Hayes, Liam Thompson, John O Sullivan, Joseph Collins, Aidan Williamson, Declan O Sullivan (0-3), Diarmuid O Callaghan (0-1), Kevin Whooley (0-2), Richie O Sullivan (0-4, 0-2 from frees), Oisin O Sullivan (1-1). Subs: Shane McDermott, Padraig McCarthy, Odhran Connolly.

The u14 footballers also had a victory on Sunday, when they defeated O Donovan Rossa in their first league game of their season, on a score line of Kilmacabea 4-18 O Donovan Rossa 7-7. This was a game that at times the Kilmacs were well on top and at other times in serious trouble. For a first outing it was good performance and all the more satisfying with the win at the end. It was close but would have been disappointing to lose. Team Conor Nash, Mikey OMahony, Adrian Gore, Jamiee Ronan, Orahan Kerrisk, Jamie O’Donoghue, Myles Tobin, Ashley Deane, Damian Gore, Gareth Whooley, Ian Jennings, Dara Tobin, Oisin O’Driscoll, Ellis Wilson, Ciaran Hernon, David Whelton, Christy Wilson, Eoin Burns

In the Scor Na bPaisti West Cork finals last Friday night in Rossmore, the music group consisting of Chantelle and Katelyn French, Saoirse and Davina Connolly and Clara Dineen won their catergory, Kate O Donovan came 2^nd in the recitation, and Chantelle French came 2^nd in the Solo Dancing. The other performers on the night were Olivia O Sullivan in Solo Singing and the Novelty Act of Aoife Hernan, Kate O Donovan, Ben Christie, Chantelle French, Clara Dineen and Dara Tobin. Congratulations to all those involved on the night.

The club would like to extend thanks to all those who helped out at the U21 game on Saturday last. Without these volunteers who give up their time to help park cars, sell tickets, prepare the pitch, hosting these games would not be possible.

All Club Members are also reminded that the Sports Prophet deadline is Friday 8^th March, so get your entries in ASAP, either online at www.sportsprophet.ie or contact Dan Hourihane for a paper entry form.

Fixtures for the coming week: 

Football League vs. Castletownbere in Leap on Sunday 10^th at 11:30am

Check locally before travelling as fixtures dates and times are liable to change.

There is hurling training for the new group of teams comprising St Patricks on Monday evening in Abbeystrewery National School all weather facilities, Skibbereen. 7pm for U14's and 8pm for U16/18. It is important that everyone interested coes along as matches will be starting in a few weeks time.

U21 Footballers Sunday 3/3/13 v Ballinascarthy

Notes 27/2/13

The junior A footballers and the U16 footballers both got their seasons underway this past weekend and both sides started with victories, the junior footballers defeating Diarmuid O Mathunas in Castletownkenneigh by 0-17 to 0-10 last Sunday afternoon while the U16 footballers defeated Mizen Rovers in Leap last Sunday morning on a score line of 2-10 to 0-8.

Under new management, the junior footballers started their league campaign with a comprehensive display against Mathunas last Sunday afternoon in Castletownkenneigh. On a dry crisp day, ideal for football the Kilmacs started slowly and the home side, fresh from their draw with St Colums last weekend, started the brighter and had the Kilmacs under pressure. But with the experienced Tom Sheahan and Niall McCarthy starting to get to grips with the game and the ever impressive Sam O Driscoll marshalling the back division well, the Kilmacs eventually took control of the game and were leading at the short whistle by 0-10 to 0-2. The second half started like the first half ended with the Kilmacs in total control, but while the scoring slowed down, they never looked like losing the game, even when Mathunas rallied late in the half. The game ended on a score-line of Kilmacabea 0-17 Diarmuid O Mathunas 0-10. Scorers for Kilmacabea: Donie O Donovan 0-8 (0-7 from free’s). Diarmuid O Callaghan, Joseph Collins (0-2 each), Sam O Driscoll, Barry Glavin, Clive Sweetnam, Andrew O Callaghan, Niall McCarthy (0-1 each) . Kilmacabea team vs Diarmuid O Mathunas: Kevin McCarthy, Donie O Donoghue, Eoin O Donovan, Peadar O Leary, Mark Jennings, Sam O Driscoll, Diarmuid O Donovan, Tom Sheahan, Niall McCarthy, Donie O Donovan, Joseph Collins, Clive Sweetnam, Diarmuid O Callaghan, Barry Glavin, Andrew O Callaghan. Subs used: Thomas Jennings, Adrian O Driscoll, Richard Jennings, Brian Hayes, Martin Collins.

The U16 footballers were involved in a typical early season game. With players finding their position this was a game where there were some fine moves but there were also breakdowns in play which will improve as the group get used to playing together. Mizen settled the quickest and were exerting the early pressure. The Kilmacs got the boost with a goal from a shot that deceived the Mizen goalkeeper. Both sides were working hard and play was even. The half time score was Kilmacabea 1-7 Mizen 0-5. The third quarter was again even with no score for 15 minutes. The Kilmacs had the slight advantage in the chances created but weren’t able to convert them. Some indiscipline in the Mizen ranks meant they finished the game a man down and the Kilmacs were able to take advantage to finish the game. The team worked well and showed a good attitude and demonstrated that they could use the ball skilfully. Team John Patrick Sheehan, Caelan O’Mahony, Tiernan Kerrisk, Ross Cantwell, James O’Driscoll(0-1), Darren Whooley, Matthew O’Neill(0-1), Ciaran French, Dan Lynch, Eoin O’Sullivan(0-3), John Walsh- O’Reilly(1-0), Damian Gore(1-6), Patrick O’Donovan, Karl Ronan, Myles Tobin.

The U21 footballers are in championship action next Sunday 3^rd of March, when they take on Ballinascarthy in the Quarter Final of the Clona Milk U21 B Football Championship in Rossmore. This game has a 12 noon throw in and supporters are encouraged to come out and support the team. The club is also hosting a game next weekend, with the U21 A Football championship game between near neighbours O Donovan Rossa and Carbery Rangers taking place in John William Goulding Park at 4pm on Saturday. Stewards will be needed for this game and are asked to be at the club grounds from 2pm onwards.

The U14 footballers also get their their league season underway next Sunday, as they make the short trip to Skibbereen to take on O Donovan Rossa with throw in at 10am in the Marsh field.

A limited number of scholarships are available to GAA members who wish to attend Irish courses in the Gaeltacht during the summer. Applications are now being taken, anyone interested is asked to contact Donal O Donovan (club secretary) on 086 2644445. All Club Members are also reminded that the Sports Prophet deadline is Friday 8^th March, so get your entries in ASAP, either online at www.sportsprophet.ie or contact Dan Hourihane for a paper entry form.

Notes 20/2/13

The minor footballers got the competitive action underway this season, when they took on Carbery Rangers last Saturday afternoon in the first game of the Minor A football league played in Ardagh, Rosscarbery. This was a hard fought game with little between the sides and it was the Kilmac boys who came out victorious after the hour on a score-line on Carbery Rangers 1-4 Kilmacabea 1-9. Played on a soft, sandy surface it was the kilmac lads who came out of the blocks quickest, registering three points in the first ten minutes to Carbery’s two. With Niall Hayes, Kevin Whooley and Shane McDermott working hard to deny the Rangers players any clear opportunities and with Whooley registering another kilmac score after twenty three minutes it was the Leap lads who looked like taking total control. Credit to the Ross midfielder Tadgh O Mahony who fought manfully against a rising tide, their task was made harder when a long ball was won by kilmac full forward Martin Collins and dispatched to the back of the Rangers net to leave the half time score Carbery Rangers 0-3  Kilmacabea 1-4. With their mentor’s words ringing in their ears and thanks to a mistake in the kilmacs defence, John Hodnett managed to hit the back of the Kilmac rigging and reduce the deficit to one point for the Rangers. But this kilmac side are made of tough stuff and with the impressive Hayes now operating at midfield and Podge Cronin and Seamus Murphy getting through an amount of work on the flanks the kilmac boys extended their lead to five points by the forty seventy minute.  The kilmac lads then began to hold onto possession and only for some poor shot selection and missed passes could have extended their lead further. Overall this was a strong performance, although early season mistakes were evident, this was a good win to get the campaign started. Best on the day: Gavin Daly, Niall Hayes and Podge Cronin.  Kilmacabea team vs Carbery Rangers: Matthew O Neill, Odhran Connolly, Niall Hayes, Gavin Daly, James O Driscoll, Shane McDermott, Aidan Williamson, Diarmuid O Callaghan, Declan O Sullivan, Podge Cronin, Kevin Whooley, Seamus Murphy, Darren Whooley, Martin Collins, Kevin O Donovan.

The u21 footballers are out in championship action on Sunday the 3^rd of March vs Ballinascarthy in Rossmore. This game is pencilled in for a 12 noon start so support will be needed to cheer the lads on to victory. The club is due to host Carbery Rangers vs O Donovan Rossa in the 1^st round of the u21 A championship on Saturday 2^nd of March with a 4pm throw in. Help will be needed for this game, so stewards are asked to assemble from 2pm onwards.

All club members are reminded that the Sports Prophet prediction competition is now up and running. Cost is €20 and questions range from who will win the All Ireland Football and Hurling championship to how many horses will finish the Aintree Grand National. Entries can be filled out either online at www.sportsprophet.com or can contact Dan Hourihane (club coordinator) for a paper entry form.

Fixtures for the coming week:  Junior A Football League vs Diarmuid O Mathunas in Castletownkenneigh next Sunday 24^th at 3pm, U16 Football League vs Mizen Rovers in Leap next Sunday 24^th at 11:30am. All fixtures are liable to change so check locally before travelling. Also keep up to date with any fixtures changes and club news via the club facebook account, www.facebook.com/OfficialKilmacabeaGAAClub or the club twitter account, www.twitter.com/KilmacabeaGAA

Notes 14/2/12

Another training day is being arranged for CPR and defibrillator use in the near future. It is vitally important that all team mentors should have this training as no one knows when this training may be needed. All those who wish to participate should contact Jennifer Sweetnam without delay on 086 0585224.

The monthly club draw for February was held last Wednesday night as the club monthly meeting and the results of the draw are as follows:

1^st prize:   Sean and Kay Tobin, Kifinnan

2^nd prize:  Niall McCarthy, Reavouler

3^rd prize:   John Collins, Kilmacabea

4^th prize:   Frank and Mairead Wilson, Corran

5^th prize:   Dan Moloney, Bandon

6^th prize:   Johnny and Teresa O Sullivan, Clounties

7^th prize:   Denis McCarthy, Bawnfune

Fixtures for the coming week:  
Saturday 16^th Minor A Football League vs Carbery Rangers in Ardagh at 3pm.
Result Kilmacabea 1-9 Carbery Rangers 1-4.
Results will be posted on club twitter and facebook accounts during and after games .

Club Notes 5/2/13

With the playing season still a few weeks away, attention last week was on the draw for the first round of the Junior A Football Championship made last wednesday the 30^th of Jan at the GAA Pavilion in Dunmanway. With twenty-three teams in the hat for the draw it was Gabriel Rangers who the Kilmacs will play in the 1^st round. Gabriel’s been the champions in 2010 and will prove a good test for the junior footballers. The  team who is defeated in the 1^st round will face a difficulty test in round 2 where they will face the loser’s of the tie between St Mary’s and St Oliver Plunketts. The Junior 3 championship draw was also made and this see’s the Kilmacs pitted against great rivals Tadgh MacCarthaigh in the Quarter Final with the winners to meet Castlehaven in the semi final. This team won this title last year in a tight tense final against St Colums in Aughaville and will be hoping to defend their title this year. The u21’s will need to wait a little while longer to find out who they will play in the u21 B championship 1^st round as this draw has been delayed due to an issue regarding grading. As soon as this draw is known it will be posted on the club facebook and twitter account.

All team mentors are advised that a Defibrillator training course is taking place this Saturday 9^th February in the GAA Pavilion between 9:30am and 2:30pm. It is very important that all mentors attend.

Kevin Whooley (Shreelane) and Diarmuid O Callaghan (Maultrahane) were part of the St Fachnta’s De La Salle school team that was defeated by De La Salle Macroom in the Corn Ui Mhuiri schools competition recently.

A fundraising Ceili will take place this Friday night 8^th February in the Community Hall in Leap at 9:30pm. Music will be by Tim Joe and Anne and refreshments will be served on the night.